Born: May 25, 1936

An excellent, cool-toned straight-ahead altoist influenced by Lee Konitz and Warne Marsh, Gary Foster's years in the studios have often been underrated despite his talents. He graduated from the University of Kansas in 1961 and soon settled in the Los Angeles area, where he has been active ever since in the studios, as a woodwind teacher, and in big bands, including those of Clare Fischer (since 1965), Louie Bellson, Toshiko Akiyoshi (in the 1970s), and the Marty Paich Dek-tette. Foster also played often with Warne Marsh, Laurindo Almeida, and Jimmy Rowles; recorded with Cal Tjader, Poncho Sanchez, and Mel Tormé; and led sessions of his own for Revelation (four records during 1968-1985) and Concord.